*Gump Goes to Tijuana

[TomHanks]

Following an exciting prospect bowl and the recent DSFL draft, teams are buzzing with anticipation waiting for preseason to start. The depth of this draft class meant that there were rounds of clear talent, and that most picks ended up feeling like a steal. After pick 20 in round 4, when the 5th running back had been drafted, the hosts of the draft took the time to discuss two players which had remained undrafted despite serious hype surrounding them, Forrest Gump and Terry Taffy, noting that they did “have that energy”, but that GM’s hadn’t been able to get scout reports on them in time. Two picks later Forrest Gump’s name was called to go to the reigning DSFL champions, the Luchadores. We were able to catch up with Forrest Gump recently to see how he’s feeling about the draft, and his team going forward.

First off Forrest, what was your reaction to your name being called at pick 22?

Well I was just so happy to have the opportunity to be drafted, and it was really nice seeing people talkin’ about me before I was even picked, people seem to like me which is all you can really hope for at the end of the day. Really I couldn’t be more excited about going to Tijuana, they were definitely my first choice of team even before the draft, and when they started drafting those talented offensive lineman, I knew that’s where I’d be happiest.

You were the 6th running back drafted, and were picked 7 places before Terry Taffy, who you had said you assumed would go before you, what do you make of where you were chosen?

Terry’s a talented player, and so are the rest of the backs in this class, both taken before me and the ones taken after. Like I said, this is really where I wanted to come, and they believe in me here. I don’t really care what pick I went, at the end of the day I’m going to get the opportunity to get a solid amount of touches in an electric offense.

Tijuana definitely showed faith in you picking you as early as they did, do you have any other comments on the draft for your side?

We need to surround Corvo with weapons to really take advantage of how good he is, and that’s clearly what the Tijuana GMs were trying to do with a lot of their picks. We grabbed some great receivers and talented lineman, and we all believe this team can win the championship again. Defensively they grabbed some guys who are real talented players and more importantly just super nice guys. Some familiar faces as well in this locker room from being a Grizzly, and I’m thrilled about that.

The Grizzlies made it to the final of the Prospect Bowl, but came up short in the final. In spite of this, the team put a strong emphasis on how well you worked as a unit and built a sense of team. Is there anyone you’re particularly upset didn’t end up on your team?

Gosh, I love all those guys on the Grizzlies, and the Prospect Bowl was real fun. I’d love to link up with some of them again in the NSFL, but for now, not all of us could end up on the same team. If I had to pick one guy I’m most upset about losing, I’d have to say Quenton Bode. Having a sentient polar bear in your defense means that the other team is gonna always be a little bit scared. More than that, he’s always a supportive guy and genuinely wants the best for everyone.

Looking ahead, preseason starts tonight, how are you feeling about your ability to prove you deserve to be a key part of the team’s strategy?

I’ve gotten even faster since the Prospect Bowl, I got a little nervous waiting for the draft to come so I started doing the one thing that calms me down most, I started running. Heck I just kept on running all day up until the draft. I kept getting faster and I reckon I can run quite a bit farther now. I want to be an important part of this offense, both on the ground and to open up the field for Corvo. I think I can be the bellcow back in an offense so as long as they keep giving me that ball I’ll just keep getting out there and I’ll run all day long.

Finally, we know you’ve sung the praises of the team, but how do you feel about moving to Tijuana?

Tijuana’s a great city, I like being here and the ability to travel nearby both into California and Mexico. Plus I love going out and running out in the open, nothing in my way but open space, it’s my favourite way to pass time. We’ve been talkin’ bout going out as a team, seeing some of the nightlife can’t wait to explore the city more.

Thanks for that Forrest, great to have you, and good luck this season.

Ready to be graded 852 words

[br0_0ker]

Excited to see how you do in the pros homie! It was an honor to play with you on Griz, maybe we'll meet up again in the NSFL! Great interview

[slothfacekilla]

Such a steal!

[KingCollins]

I’m ready Gump! Good luck on your career with Tijuana. The rivalry continues

[SDCore]

Glad to be in TJ with you and all my new teammates!